By Scout Nelson
Agriculture offers opportunities for people from many different backgrounds. A farming or ranching background is not always necessary to build a successful career in the industry. Education, youth programs, mentorship, and hands-on experiences often help students discover their interests and develop valuable skills for the future.
Alyvia Shultz-Ramer’s journey reflected how agricultural experiences could shape a student's career. Credit goes to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, where education, industry connections, and real-world learning opportunities helped students explore agricultural careers and develop professional skills.
Her introduction to agriculture began through Nebraska 4-H. Although she grew up in Kearney and did not come from a farming or ranching family, she developed an interest in livestock at a young age. Through 4-H activities, she began showing goats and later decided to raise them herself.
What started as a small livestock project gradually expanded into a herd of goats. The project became part of her supervised agricultural experience through FFA and gave her a practical understanding of livestock production. Raising animals required patience, responsibility, and daily commitment.
Since her family did not have an agricultural background, she often learned through experience. Caring for livestock exposed her to both successes and challenges. She faced difficult births, harsh winter weather, bottle-feeding young animals, and livestock losses. These experiences strengthened her understanding of the realities of agriculture.
“I learned a ton,” Shultz-Ramer said. “Literally everything about taking care of livestock and how not to freak out when things don’t go perfectly.”
Through these lessons, she gained a greater appreciation for livestock production and the hard work performed by agricultural producers. The challenges also reinforced the importance of encouraging young people to join the agricultural industry.
“There are so many things that are out of our control,” she said. “That’s why it’s so important for young people to continue to go into production agriculture.”
As her interest in agriculture grew, she became actively involved in FFA while attending Kearney High School. She participated in activities, competitions, and agricultural programs that broadened her knowledge of the industry. Her commitment to FFA became a major part of her high school experience and allowed her to develop leadership and communication skills.
An important influence during this period was her agricultural education teacher and FFA adviser, Sheridan Swotek. Through mentorship and guidance, she introduced opportunities, connections, and experiences that helped shape Shultz-Ramer’s future direction.
“She’s been super influential,” Shultz-Ramer said. “A lot of the things that I’m involved in and the people that I know are because of her introducing me to people.”
While involved in 4-H and FFA, she knew agriculture was the field she wanted to pursue. However, it took time to identify the specific career path that matched her interests. For a period, she considered becoming a veterinarian. After gaining experience in a veterinary clinic, she realized that another career option would be a better fit for her goals.
Choosing a college also required careful thought. She explored several options before visiting the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. During her visit, she found a welcoming environment and a supportive academic community. The personal connections she experienced helped make her decision easier.
“I could just tell that they wanted me there,” Shultz-Ramer said. “Where else am I going to go where the dean of CASNR or professors are going to know me by name? I just think that’s super cool about CASNR. It’s a family. It really is. I think any one of my professors would go to bat for their students.”
At Nebraska’s East Campus, she found a close-knit agricultural community while benefiting from the opportunities available at a large university. The experience allowed her to continue exploring her interests and discover new possibilities within the agricultural sector.
“You’re getting the small-town feel but all of the big D-I school opportunities,” she said.
During college, a conversation with a professor encouraged her to explore agricultural communications. She soon realized that the field combined two of her passions: agriculture and connecting with people. The opportunity allowed her to learn more about storytelling, communication, and sharing agricultural experiences with a variety of audiences.
“I love talking to people. I love hearing people’s stories,” Shultz-Ramer said. “I love getting to learn about people all the time, and communications really allows me to do that.”
Her studies helped her build skills in writing, interviewing, photography, and professional communication. These skills prepared her for a variety of careers within the agricultural industry.
“I really feel like I’m learning valuable skills,” she said. “Those are all valuable skills that I can use at any job.”
Another important step in her development came through an internship with the U.S. Meat Export Federation. The experience gave her insight into international agricultural trade and helped her understand how agricultural products move through global markets.
The internship also showed her how many different careers contribute to the success of agriculture. She gained exposure to industry professionals and learned about the connections between producers, consumers, and international customers.
“I got to meet so many people and really see how many different factors go into agricultural trade,” Shultz-Ramer said. “There’s so much happening behind the scenes that I had never thought about before. It really opened my eyes to how connected agriculture is and how many different career opportunities there are within the industry.”
Her journey demonstrated how 4-H, FFA, higher education, mentorship, and industry experiences worked together to prepare future agricultural professionals. Each experience built confidence, expanded knowledge, and opened new opportunities.
The story also highlighted the important role educational institutions play in developing future agricultural leaders. By providing hands-on learning, mentorship, and industry connections, they help students gain the skills needed to support agriculture at local, national, and global levels.
From raising a few goats in Kearney to exploring international agricultural trade, Shultz-Ramer’s experiences showed that agricultural careers can begin in unexpected places. Through learning, dedication, and exploration, students can discover meaningful opportunities and contribute to the future of agriculture.
Photo Credit: 4-h
Categories: Nebraska, Education